Person support apparatuses with selectively coupled foot sections

ABSTRACT

Person support apparatuses are disclosed. In one embodiment, a person support apparatus comprises a base frame and a primary support frame supported on the base frame. A carriage is freely translatable at least between a head end of the primary support frame and a foot end of the primary support frame. A support surface is supported on the carriage such that the support surface translates with the carriage. The support surface includes a support section which is collapsible in a length direction of the support surface. The support section may include an air bladder and a control valve fluidly coupled to the air bladder that regulates air pressure within the air bladder. The control valve has a normally closed position and a vent position, wherein the person support apparatus comprises an exercise configuration wherein the control valve is in the vent position and the air bladder is vented to atmosphere.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 14/689,490 entitled “Person Support ApparatusesWith Selectively Coupled Foot Sections” filed on Apr. 17, 2015 which isa continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.14/155,787 entitled “Person Support Apparatuses With Selectively CoupledFoot Sections” filed on Jan. 15, 2014, the entire disclosure of each ofwhich are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND Field

The present specification generally relates to person supportapparatuses and, more specifically, to person support apparatuses thatincludes a person support structure having a selectively coupled footsection that allows the person support apparatus to be variablyconfigured.

Technical Background

Recent medical advances have allowed more patients to survive seriousinjuries or disease processes than ever before. Unfortunately, theperiod of bed rest required for recovery often leads to severedeterioration of muscle strength and a corresponding inability of thepatient to support full body weight upon standing. It is challenging forrehabilitation specialists to help these patients regain the ability tostand and begin ambulation, and the challenge is especially great forobese patients. A common technique in conventional practice is to summonas many colleagues as practical to lift and maneuver the weakenedpatient to a standing position while he or she attempts to bear fullweight through the lower extremities. This technique is not onlydangerous, because of the risk of a fall, but it is also psychologicallydegrading for the patient as the activity reinforces the patient'sdependence on others.

Hospital beds have evolved from conventional beds that lie flat to bedsthat convert into a chair position, allowing patients to begin standingfrom the foot of the bed. Examples of these beds are the Total Care bedby Hill-Rom (Batesville, Ind.) and the BariKare bed by Kinetic ConceptsIncorporated (San Antonio, Tex.). The sitting position does not improvea patient's leg strength and does little for preparing a patient forupright standing. Patients are still required to be lifted by hospitalstaff as the patient's leg muscles do not have adequate strength tosupport their weight.

Accordingly, a need exists for alternative person support apparatuses,such as hospital beds and/or patient care beds, which enable a person toperform rehabilitation exercises.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a person support apparatus includes a baseframe, a primary support frame supported on the base frame, and a footsection coupled to the primary support frame. The person supportapparatus also includes a carriage that is freely translatable between ahead end of the primary support frame and a foot end of the primarysupport frame, the carriage comprising a torso portion and a seatportion having a thigh segment and a gluteal segment. The person supportapparatus further includes a selectable trunnion that selectively andseverally couples the foot section to the primary support frame and thethigh segment of the seat portion.

According to another embodiment, a person support apparatus includes aprimary support frame, a foot section coupled to the primary supportframe, and a carriage that is freely translatable between a head end ofthe primary support frame and a foot end of the primary support frame,the carriage comprising a torso portion and a seat portion having athigh segment and a gluteal segment. The person support apparatus alsoincludes a selectable trunnion that selectively and severally couplesthe foot section to the primary support frame and the thigh segment ofthe seat portion. The selectable trunnion is repositionable between afirst position in which the selectable trunnion couples the foot sectionto the primary support frame and a second position in which theselectable trunnion couples the foot section to the thigh segment of theseat portion.

Additional features and advantages of the embodiments described hereinwill be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in partwill be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from thatdescription or recognized by practicing the embodiments describedherein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, aswell as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description describe various embodiments and areintended to provide an overview or framework for understanding thenature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanyingdrawings are included to provide a further understanding of the variousembodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of thisspecification. The drawings illustrate the various embodiments describedherein, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples and operations of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a side view of a person support apparatus according toone or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 1B depicts a perspective view of the base frame, primary supportframe, and carriage of the person support apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the base frame of the personsupport apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of the primary support frame andcarriage of the person support apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3B depicts a cross section of an upper support rail of the primarysupport frame coupled to a carriage rail of the carriage with bearingsaccording to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 3C depicts a perspective view of the primary support frame andcarriage with the carriage translated towards a head end of the primarysupport frame according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 3D depicts a cross section of a locking mechanism of the personsupport apparatus according to one or more embodiments shown anddescribed herein;

FIG. 4 depicts one embodiment of a support surface with at least onecollapsible support section according to one or more embodiments shownand described herein;

FIG. 5 depicts a pneumatic control circuit coupled to an air bladder ofa support surface and a pressure source, according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 6A depicts one embodiment of a footboard for a person supportapparatus according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 6B is an assembly view of the footboard of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram depicting the interconnectivity of variouselectrical components of the person support apparatus according to oneor more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 8A depicts the person support apparatus in an exerciseconfiguration with the support surface omitted according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 8B depicts the person support apparatus and support surface in anexercise configuration with the carriage translated towards the foot endof the person support apparatus according to one or more embodimentsshown and described herein;

FIG. 8C depicts the person support apparatus and support surface in anexercise configuration with the carriage translated towards the head endof the person support apparatus according to one or more embodimentsshown and described herein;

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of a person support apparatusaccording to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 10 depicts a detailed top view of a selectable trunnion of a personsupport apparatus according to one or more embodiments shown anddescribed herein;

FIG. 11 depicts a side sectional view of the selectable trunnion shownalong line K-K of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 depicts a detailed top view of a selectable trunnion of a personsupport apparatus according to one or more embodiments shown anddescribed herein; and

FIG. 13 depicts a detailed top view of a selectable trunnion of a personsupport apparatus according to one or more embodiments shown anddescribed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of person supportapparatuses with exercise functionalities, examples of which areillustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the samereference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to thesame or like parts. In one embodiment of the person support apparatus,the person support apparatus includes a base frame, a primary supportframe supported on the base frame, and a foot section coupled to theprimary support frame. The person support apparatus also includes acarriage having a torso portion and a seat portion having a thighsegment and a gluteal segment. The carriage may be translatable relativeto the primary support frame. The person support apparatus furtherincludes a selectable trunnion that selectively and severally couplesthe foot section to the primary support frame and the thigh segment ofthe seat portion. Person support apparatuses with sliding carriages andselectable trunnions will be described in more detail herein withspecific reference to the appended drawings.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a person support apparatus 100 isschematically depicted according to one or more embodiments shown anddescribed herein. The person support apparatus 100 may be, for example,a hospital bed, a stretcher, a patient lift, a chair, an operatingtable, or similar support apparatuses commonly found in hospitals,nursing homes, rehabilitation centers or the like. The person supportapparatus 100 generally includes a base frame 102, a primary supportframe 104 supported on the base frame 102, and a carriage 106 supportedon the primary support frame 104. The carriage is translatable (forexample, by sliding) relative to the base frame 102 and the primarysupport frame 104 between a head end H and a foot end F of the patientsupport apparatus 100. The primary support frame 104 may further includean extendable foot section 110 pivotally coupled to a foot end F of theprimary support frame 104. The person support apparatus 100 alsoincludes a support surface 108 (FIG. 1A) which may be supported on theprimary support frame 104. At least a portion of the support surface 108is positioned on the carriage 106 and, as such, is translatable with thecarriage 106 relative to the base frame 102 and the primary supportframe 104. As will be described in more detail herein, the supportsurface includes at least one support section which is selectivelycollapsible in a length direction of the support surface such that, asthe carriage translates towards the foot end F of the primary supportframe 104, the at least one support section collapses, thereby allowingthe carriage to translate towards the foot end F of the patient supportapparatus.

The person support apparatus 100 may further include side rails 240 (onedepicted in FIG. 1A), a footboard 130, and a headboard 250. The siderails 240, headboard 250, and footboard 130 are supported by the primarysupport frame 104, as depicted in FIG. 1A. In some embodiments, the siderails 240 may include multiple sections. For example, in someembodiments the side rails 240 may each include a head side rail 242,positioned adjacent to the head end H of the person support apparatus100, and an intermediate side rail 244 positioned between the head siderail 242 and the foot end F of the person support apparatus. Inembodiments, the side rails 240 may include one or more user interfaces241 for controlling the various functions of the person supportapparatus 100.

Still referring to FIG. 1A, in some embodiments, the head side rail 242includes a hinge assembly 247, as shown in FIG. 1A. The hinge assembly247 is configured to movably couple the head side rail 242 to theprimary support frame 104 and move the head side rail 242 between adeployed position (depicted in FIG. 1A) and a stowed position (notdepicted). When the head side rail 242 is in the deployed position, atleast a portion of the head side rail 242 is positioned above thesupport surface 108. When the head side rail 242 is in the stowedposition, the head side rail 242 is positioned below at least thesupport surface 108 and directly adjacent to the base frame 102. In someembodiments, the hinge assembly 247 includes a locking mechanism (notshown) that is configured to maintain the head side rail 242 in thedeployed position and/or the stowed position.

The intermediate side rail 244 may also include a hinge assembly 245 asshown in FIG. 1A. The hinge assembly 245 is configured to move theintermediate side rail 244 between a deployed position and a stowedposition. When the intermediate side rail 244 is in the deployedposition, at least a portion of the intermediate side rail 244 ispositioned above the support surface 108. When the intermediate siderail 244 is in the stowed position, the intermediate side rail 244 ispositioned below at least the support surface 108 and directly adjacentto the base frame 102. In some embodiments, the hinge assembly 245includes a locking mechanism (not shown) that is configured to maintainthe intermediate side rail 244 in the deployed position and/or thestowed position.

In the embodiments described herein, the lateral spacing between theside rails of the person support apparatus 100 may be adjusted toaccommodate different size patients. For example, in one embodiment, atleast one of the side rails 240 may be coupled to a lateral track whichallows the side rail to be selectively positioned in a width-wisedirection of the person support apparatus 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 1B and 2, the base frame 102 contains at leastone actuator and corresponding lift linkages 103 to facilitate raising,lowering, and pivoting/tilting the primary support frame 104 relative tothe base frame 102. Tilting the primary support frame 104 such that ahead end H of the primary support frame 104 is lower than a foot end Fof the primary support frame 104 is referred to as a Trendelenburgorientation. Tilting the primary support frame 104 such that a head endH of the primary support frame 104 is higher than a foot end F of theprimary support frame 104 is referred to as a reverse Trendelenburgorientation.

In embodiments, the base frame 102 generally comprises a pair of lateralframe members 202 a, 202 b which are joined by a frame pan 204. Lockablecaster wheels 206 a, 206 b, 206 c may be pivotally coupled to thelateral frame members 202 a, 202 b to facilitate movement of the patientsupport apparatus 100. The base frame 102 may also include a pair footsupport brackets 208 a, 208 b and a pair of head support brackets 210 a,210 b. The foot support brackets 208 a, 208 b are attached to thelateral frame members 202 a, 202 b and/or the frame pan 204 proximate toa foot end F of the base frame 102. The head support brackets 210 a, 210b are attached to the lateral frame members 202 a, 202 b proximate to ahead end H of the base frame 102.

In the embodiments described herein, the base frame 102 further includesa pair of foot linkages 212 a, 212 b. The foot linkages 212 a, 212 b arepivotally coupled to corresponding foot support brackets 208 a, 208 band to the lower support rail 116 of the primary support frame 104. Thefoot linkages 212 a, 212 b are coupled to one another with foot crossmember 214 such that the foot linkages 212 a, 212 b synchronously rotatein their respective support brackets 208 a, 208 b. A foot end actuator216 is disposed between the lateral frame members 202 a, 202 b andaffixed to the frame pan 204 and/or a lateral frame member. Inembodiments, the foot end actuator 216 may be a conventional linearactuator. The foot end actuator 216 is coupled to the foot cross member214 with eccentric link 218. The eccentric link 218 is rigidly attachedto the foot cross member 214 and pivotally attached to the foot endactuator 216, such as through a pin and clevis connection, or the like.As the foot end actuator 216 is extended and retracted, the foot crossmember 214 is rotated, which, in turn, rotates the foot linkages 212 a,212 b in their respective foot support brackets 208 a, 208 b, therebyraising or lowering the foot end F of the primary support frame 104 withrespect to the base frame 102.

The base frame 102 further includes a pair of head linkages 220 a, 220b. The head linkages 220 a, 220 b are pivotally coupled to correspondingfoot support brackets 210 a, 210 b and to the primary support frame 104.The head linkages 220 a, 220 b are coupled together with head crossmember 222 such that the head linkages 220 a, 220 b synchronously rotatein their respective support brackets 210 a, 210. A head end actuator 224is disposed between the lateral frame members 202 a, 202 b and coupledto the frame pan 204 and/or a lateral frame member. In embodiments, thehead end actuator 224 may be a conventional linear actuator. The headend actuator 224 is coupled to the head cross member 222 with eccentriclink 226. The eccentric link 226 is rigidly attached to the head crossmember 222 and pivotally attached to the head end actuator 224, such asthrough a pin and clevis connection or the like. As the head endactuator 224 is extended and retracted, the head cross member 222 isrotated, which, in turn, rotates the head linkages 220 a, 220 b in theirrespective head support brackets 210 a, 210 b, thereby raising orlowering the head end H of the primary support frame 104 with respect tothe base frame 102.

Based on the foregoing, it should be understood that the head endactuator 224 and the foot end actuator 216 may be synchronously operatedto simultaneously raise the head end H and the foot end F of the primarysupport frame 104 with respect to the base frame 102. The head endactuator 224 and the foot end actuator 216 may also be independentlyoperated to pivot the primary support frame 104 with respect to the baseframe 102, thereby positioning the primary support frame in aTrendelenburg or reverse Trendelenburg orientation.

Referring now to FIGS. 1B and 3A, in the embodiments described hereinthe patient support apparatus 100 further includes a primary supportframe 104 supported on the base frame 102. The primary support frame 104is pivotally coupled to the foot linkages 212 a, 212 b and the headlinkages 220 a, 220 b of the base frame 102 to facilitate tilting theprimary support frame 104 with respect to the base frame 102. Theprimary support frame 104 generally includes a pair of spaced lowersupport rails 116 a, 116 b and a track frame 118. The track frame 118 isattached to the lower support rails 116 a, 116 b and generally includesa pair of spaced upper support rails 120 a, 120 b positioned over thelower support rails 116 a, 116 b. In embodiments, the track frame 118may further include at least one cross member 122, which joins the uppersupport rails 120 a, 122 b. The track frame 118 supports the carriage106 and enables the carriage 106 to translate with respect to theprimary support frame 104.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A-1B and 3A, the primary support frame 104 mayfurther include an extendable foot section 110 coupled to the primarysupport frame 104. The extendable foot section 110 may be pivotallycoupled to the primary support frame 104 such that the extendable footsection 110 is pivotable with respect to the primary support frame 104with the foot section pivot actuator 406 (FIG. 1A). This allows theextendable foot section 110 to be rotated from a substantiallyhorizontal orientation (i.e., the extendable foot section 110 issubstantially parallel with the y-x plane of the coordinate axesdepicted in FIG. 1B), to at least one declined position where theextendable foot section 110 is non-parallel with the y-x plane of thecoordinate axes depicted in FIG. 1B, such that the patient supportapparatus 100 has a chair-like configuration. In the embodiment of thepatient support apparatus 100 shown and described herein, the extendablefoot section 110 is pivotally coupled to the track frame 118 of theupper support frame. However, it should be understood that theextendable foot section 110 may be, in the alternative, pivotallycoupled to the lower support rails 116 a, 116 b.

The extendable foot section 110 generally comprises a footboard 130(FIG. 1B) removably attached to the distal end of the extendable footsection 110 and a pair of telescoping rails 124 a, 124 b (FIG. 3A)joined together with cross members 125, 126. An actuator 408 may becoupled between at least one of the cross members 125, 126 and thedistal end of the extendable foot section 110 to facilitate extendingand retracting the footboard 130 relative to the primary support frame104. Accordingly, it should be understood that the extendable footsection 110 has an extended position where the extendable foot sectionis fully extended away from the primary support frame 104, and at leastone retracted position, where the extendable foot section 110 is locatedcloser to the primary support frame 104 than when in the extendedposition. A foot deck 127 (FIG. 1B) may be positioned over thetelescoping rails 124 a, 124 b to provide support for a support surfacepositioned on the primary support frame 104.

Referring now to FIGS. 1B and 3A-3C, the patient support apparatus 100further includes a carriage 106 positioned on the primary support frame104 such that the carriage 106 is translatable with respect to theprimary support frame in the +/−x-direction of the coordinate axesdepicted in FIG. 1B. The carriage 106 generally comprises a pair ofspaced carriage rails 132 a, 132 b slidably coupled to the upper supportrails 120 a, 120 b of the track frame 118. In the embodiments describedherein, each of the carriage rails 132 a, 132 b generally has a hollow,rectangular configuration, as depicted in FIG. 3B, with a plurality ofbearings 134 positioned within each rail. In the embodiments describedherein the bearings 134 are roller bearings. However, it should beunderstood that, in other embodiment, the bearings 134 may be linearbearings or the like. The upper support rail 120 a is positioned withinthe corresponding carriage rail 132 a such that the upper support rail120 a is engaged with the bearings 134 and the carriage rail 132 a isslidable with respect to the upper support rail 120 a, therebyfacilitating translation of the carriage 106 with respect to the primarysupport frame 104 between the foot end F of the primary support frame104 and the head end H of the primary support frame 104, as depicted inFIGS. 3A and 3C.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3D, in embodiments, the patient supportapparatus 100 may further comprise a locking mechanism 260 which securesthe carriage 106 to the primary support frame 104. In the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 3D, the locking mechanism 260 comprises a mountingplate 262 attached to the interior face of the carriage rail 136 a. Atleast a portion of the mounting plate 262 extends below the carriagerail 136 a such that the mounting plate 262 is directly adjacent to aninterior face of the lower support rail 116 a. The mounting plate 262 isslightly offset from the carriage rail 132 a and the lower support rail120 such that the carriage rail 132 a is free to translate with respectto the lower support rail 116 a without the mounting plate 262contacting the lower support rail 116 a.

A locking pin assembly 264 is affixed to the mounting plate 262 andgenerally includes a housing 265 in which a locking pin 266 ispositioned. The locking pin 266 is biased to an extended position withrespect to the housing 265 (as shown in FIG. 3D) with a biasing member267, which, in the embodiment depicted, is a compression spring. Thelocking pin 266 may be selectively extended from and retracted into thehousing 265 by a locking lever 276 (FIG. 3A) pivotally coupled to thelower support rail 116 a of the primary support frame 104.

Specifically, one end of a cable assembly 268 that includes a centralcable 272 slidably disposed in a jacket 270 is coupled to the lockingpin 266. The jacket 270 of the cable assembly 268 is retained in asupport bracket 274 extending from the mounting plate 262 such that thecentral cable is free to slide within the jacket 270. The opposite endof the cable assembly 268 is coupled to the locking lever 276 such thatactuation of the locking lever 276 slides the central cable 272 withinthe jacket 270 such that pivoting the locking lever 276 through itsrange of motion translates the locking pin 266 through its range ofmotion.

The locking lever 276 has a carriage lock position and a carriage unlockposition. When the locking lever 276 is in the carriage lock position,the locking lever 276 is rotated towards the lower support rail 116 a ofthe primary support frame 104 decreases the tension on the central cable272, which, in turn, allows biasing member 267 to bias the locking pin266 to the extended position. When in the extended position, the lockingpin 266 extends through an aperture in the mounting plate 262 and,assuming proper alignment between the carriage 106 and the primarysupport frame 104, into a corresponding aperture in the lower supportrail 116 a of the primary support frame, thereby coupling the carriagerail 132 a to the lower support rail 116 a and preventing translation ofthe carriage 106 with respect to the primary support frame 104.

When the locking lever 276 is in the carriage unlock position, thelocking lever 276 is rotated away from the lower support rail 116 a ofthe primary support frame 104 in the direction indicated by arrow 277 inFIG. 3A. This motion tensions the central cable 272 by drawing thecentral cable 272 with the jacket 270, which, in turn, retracts thelocking pin 266 into the housing 265 against the biasing force exertedby the biasing member 267. When the locking pin 266 is retracted intothe housing 265, the locking pin 266 is disengaged from the lowersupport rail 116 a thereby allowing translation of the carriage 106 withrespect to the primary support frame 104.

While the locking mechanism 260 is shown and described herein as beingcoupled to a locking lever 276 which actuates the locking pin 266, itshould be understood that other embodiments are contemplated. Forexample, in one embodiment, the locking pin 266 may be coupled to anelectro-mechanical actuator, such as a solenoid or the like. In thisembodiment, the electro-mechanical actuator may be communicativelycoupled to the control system 400 (FIG. 7) and may be actuated via theuser interface 241 (FIG. 7) to lock and unlock the carriage 106 withrespect to the primary support frame 104.

Referring again to FIG. 3A, in the embodiments described herein, thecarriage 106 includes a seat portion 112 and a torso portion 114. Theseat portion 112 of the carriage 106 generally includes a seat deck 145coupled to the carriage rails 132 a, 132 b such that the seat deck 145is translatable with the carriage 106. The seat portion 112 includes agluteal segment 148 and a thigh segment 146. In the embodimentsdescribed herein, at least the thigh segment 146 of the seat portion 112is pivotable with respect to the gluteal segment 148 about pivot point147. Specifically, the thigh segment 146 may be coupled to the glutealsegment 148 at pivot point 147. A seat pivot actuator 410 (FIG. 1A) maybe coupled to the underside of the thigh segment 146 to pivot the thighsegment 146 with respect to the gluteal segment 148 about the pivotpoint 147. Accordingly, it should be understood that the seat portion112 of the carriage 106 has at least two configurations: a standardconfiguration wherein the gluteal segment 148 and the thigh segment 146are substantially co-planar with one another and a cradle configurationwherein the thigh segment 146 is pivoted towards the gluteal segment148. The standard configuration of the seat portion is depicted in FIG.3A. The cradle configuration of the seat portion is depicted in FIG. 1B.Arranging the seat portion 112 of the carriage 106 in the cradleconfiguration assists in properly positioning a person supported on theseat portion with performing a leg-press type exercise, as will bedescribed in more detail herein.

In the embodiments described herein, the torso portion 114 generallycomprises a torso frame 140 which is pivotally coupled to the carriagerails 132 a, 132 b with pivots 142 a, 142 b such that the torso framemay be pivoted with respect to the seat portion 112. For example, thetorso frame may be positioned in a recumbent position (not shown) inwhich the torso frame is substantially horizontal (i.e., the torso frameis substantially parallel to the x-y plane of the coordinate axesdepicted in FIG. 3A) and at least on inclined position, where the torsoframe is at an angle with respect to horizontal (i.e., the torso frame140 is non-parallel to the x-y plane of the coordinate axes depicted inFIG. 3A), as shown in FIG. 3A. A torso actuator 412, such as a linearactuator or the like, is coupled to the primary support frame 120 underthe seat portion 112 and pivotally coupled to the torso frame 140 atbracket 133. The torso actuator 412 may be utilized to pivot the torsoframe 140 from the recumbent position to the at least one inclinedposition, and vice-versa. Sliding linkage 131 coupled between the torsoframe 140 and the track frame 118 assists in stabilizing the torso frameas it is transitioned from the recumbent position to the at least oneinclined position, and vice versa. In the embodiments described herein,the torso portion 114 may further include a torso deck 143 coupled tothe torso frame 140. The torso deck 143 may be used to support a supportsurface, such as a mattress or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, the primary support frame 104 also includes asupport deck, which is collectively the foot deck 127, the seat deck 145(comprised of the thigh segment 146 and the gluteal segment 148), andthe torso deck 143. In embodiments, each of the foot deck 127, seat deck145, and the torso deck 143 may be adjustable/expandable in a width-wisedirection of the person support apparatus 100 to accommodate patients ofdifferent sizes. For example, each of the foot deck 127, torso deck 143and the gluteal and thigh segments of the foot deck 127 may beconstructed of multiple lateral segments that are each slidably mountedon tracks such that the segments may be expanded or retracted in awidth-wise direction of the person support apparatus 100. The varioussegments of the deck may be articulated with respect to one another toorient the person support apparatus 100 in a bed configuration (i.e.,where the foot deck 127, the seat deck 145, and the torso deck 143 aresubstantially co-planar with one another); a chair configuration (i.e.,where the torso deck 143 is inclined with respect to the seat deck 145and the foot deck 127 is declined with respect to the seat deck 145);and an exercise configuration (i.e., where the torso deck 143 isinclined with respect to the seat deck 145, the foot deck 127 isoptionally declined with respect to the seat deck 145, and the seat deck145 is in the cradle configuration).

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the support surface 108 is schematicallydepicted. In the embodiments described herein, the support surface 108is constructed such that at least one support section of the supportsurface 108 is collapsible in a length direction L of the supportsurface 108. Inclusion of a collapsible support section in the supportsurface 108 permits the carriage 106 to translate towards and away froma foot end F of the patient support apparatus 100 without having toconstruct the support surface 108 with removable segments.

For example, in the embodiment of the support surface 100 depicted inFIG. 4, the support surface 108 is constructed from a plurality of airbladders 356 which are positioned in a cover 351. The air bladders 356may be fluidly coupled to a pressure source 358, 359, such as an airpump, compressor or the like, and corresponding pneumatic controlcircuitry (FIG. 5) that pressurize the air bladders 356, therebyproviding support to a person positioned on the support surface 108. Inthe embodiments described herein, the air bladders 356 positioned in anupper support section 354 of the support surface 108 are coupled to anupper pressure source 359 while the air bladders 356 positioned in thelower support section 352 are coupled to a lower pressure source 358.Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary pneumatic control circuit 360 isschematically depicted coupled to the lower pressure source 358. Thepneumatic control circuit 360 may include a control valve 362 fluidlycoupled to the lower pressure source 358. The pneumatic control circuit360 may also include a pressure transducer 368, which is fluidly coupledto the air bladders 356. In the embodiment of the pneumatic controlcircuit 360 depicted in FIG. 5, the pressure transducer 368 is fluidlycoupled to a pressure supply line 369 fluidly coupling the control valve362 to the air bladder 356. The pressure transducer 368, lower pressuresource 358, and control valve 362 are communicatively coupled to amicrocontroller 370. The pressure transducer 368 measures the pressurewithin the air bladders 356 and sends an electrical signal indicative ofthe pressure to the microcontroller 370. When the microcontroller 370determines that the pressure in the air bladders 356 is low (such as bycomparing the measured pressure to a preset pressure or thresholdpressure), the microcontroller 370 switches on the lower pressure source358 and switches the control valve 362 from the normally closed position366 to the inflate position 365, thereby supplying air to the airbladders 356. When the microcontroller 370 determines that the pressurein the air bladders 356 is high (such as by comparing the measuredpressure to a preset pressure or threshold pressure), themicrocontroller 370 switches off the lower pressure source 358 (ormaintains the lower pressure source 358 in an off state) and switchesthe control valve 362 from the normally closed position 366 to the ventposition 367, thereby venting air from the air bladders 356 and reducingthe pressure in the air bladders 356.

In the embodiments described herein, at least one of the air bladders356 is selectively inflatable and deflatable in order to regulate theamount of travel of the carriage 106 relative to the primary supportframe 104.

For example, in one embodiment the support surface 100 includes an uppersupport section 354 located proximate to the head end H of the supportsurface 100 and a lower support section 352 located proximate the footend F of the support surface 100. The air bladders 356 of the uppersupport section 354 are coupled to a pressure source 359 andcorresponding pneumatic control circuitry while the air bladders 356 ofthe lower support section 352 are coupled to a second, differentpressure source 358 and corresponding pneumatic control circuitry. Inthis embodiment, the air pressure in the air bladders of the lowersupport section 352 may be controlled independent of the air bladders ofthe upper support section 354. For example, when the person supportapparatus 100 is in an exercise configuration, as described above, themicrocontroller 370 of the pneumatic control circuit 360 switches thecontrol valve 362 to the vent position 367 such that the air bladders356 are vented to atmosphere, thereby allowing the air bladders 356 ofthe lower support section 352 to be collapsed and compressed in thelength direction L as the carriage 106 translates towards the foot end Fof the patient support apparatus 100.

While the support surface 108 has been described herein as comprisingair bladders to facilitate collapsing and compressing a portion of thesupport surface 108 in the length direction L, it should be understoodthat other constructs are contemplated. For example, in an alternativeembodiment, the upper support section 354 of the support surface 108 maybe constructed from a foam material, such as open or closed cellurethane foam, while the lower support section 352 comprises airbladders, as described above. In another embodiment, the entire supportsurface 108 may be constructed from open or closed cell foam. In thisembodiment, the foam in the lower support section may be formed withaccordion folds, grooves, and/or ridges to encourage the lower supportsection to collapse and compress in the length direction L.

In the embodiments of the person support apparatus 100 described herein,the footboard 130 may be used to monitor the physical exercisesperformed with the person support apparatus 100. For example, thefootboard 130 may include one or more force sensors, such as straingauges or the like, which detect the force applied to the footboardduring a physical exercise. These sensors may be used to provide aninstantaneous readout of the force applied to the footboard and may alsobe used to track the force applied to the footboard over time in orderto track exercise progress.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B by way of example, one embodiment of afootboard 130 for use with the person support apparatus 100 is depicted.In this embodiment, the footboard 130 generally includes an enclosure301 comprising a front shell 302 and a back shell 304, which,collectively, enclose an inner frame 308. The footboard 130 alsoincludes locating pins 312 a, 312 b, which, in the embodiment of thefootboard 130 depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, are directly coupled to theinner frame 308. The locating pins 312 a, 312 b enable the footboard 130to be removably coupled proximate to the foot end F of the primarysupport frame 104 of the person support apparatus 100 (FIG. 1B). Forexample, in embodiments, the locating pins 312 a, 312 b may be receivedin corresponding apertures formed in the extendable foot section 110(FIG. 1B). Accordingly, it should be understood that the position of thefootboard 130 may be adjustable with respect to the primary supportframe 104. Further, in some embodiments, the extendable foot section 110may contain multiple sets of apertures for receiving the locating pins312 a, 312 b such that the position of the footboard 130 is alsoadjustable with respect to the extendable foot section 110.

The footboard 130 may also include foot plates (i.e., a left foot plate306 a and a right foot plate 306 b) which are coupled to the inner frame308. In the embodiments disclosed herein, force sensors 318 a, 318 b,such as strain gauges, load cells, or the like, are disposed between thefoot plates 306 a, 306 b and the inner frame 308 such that force exertedon the foot plates 306 a, 306 b is detected by the force sensors 318 a,318 b. For example, in the embodiment of the footboard 130 depicted inFIGS. 6A and 6B, the front shell 302 of the enclosure 301 is formed withrecesses 330 a, 330 b in which the corresponding foot plates 306 a, 306b are disposed. The force sensors 318 a, 318 b are attached to the innerframe 308 such that, when the front shell 302 is coupled to the innerframe 308, the left foot plate 306 a is in contact with the left forcesensor 318 a and the right foot plate 306 b is in contact with the rightforce sensor 318 b. Accordingly, when force is exerted on the frontshell 302 in the area of the left recess 330 a and/or the right recess330 b, the force exerted on the front shell 302 is transmitted to thecorresponding force sensor 318 a, 318 b through the corresponding footplate 306 a, 306 b. In other embodiments, the footboard may include padsthat entedn through the front shell 302 and are coupled to the innerframe 308.

In embodiments, the force sensors 318 a, 318 b may be Tedea-Huntleighmodel 1022 single-point load cells or similar load cells and/or straingauge sensors. In some embodiments, the force sensors 318 a, 318 b mayreceive power from a wired power source. That is, the force sensors 318a, 318 b may be electrically coupled to a power distribution controllerof the person support apparatus 100 which, in turn, may be directlywired to main power using a conventional plug. However, in theembodiment of the footboard 130 depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the forcesensors 318 are electrically coupled to a rechargeable battery unit 316which, in turn, is electrically coupled to an inductive charging unit314 to facilitate wirelessly charging the rechargeable battery unit 316.Use of the inductive charging unit 314 eliminates the need for a powerumbilical between the primary support frame 104 of the person supportapparatus 100 and the footboard 130, thereby mitigating the potentialfor the power umbilical to become snagged and/or disconnected as theextendable foot section 110 is extended and retracted with respect tothe primary support frame 104.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the footboard 130 may further include footpads 324 a, 324 b positioned on the front shell 302 of the enclosure301. The foot pads 324 a, 324 b are generally located over acorresponding recess 330 a, 330 b to assist a user in properly locatinghis or her feet with respect to the foot plates 306 a, 306 b and forcesensors 318 a, 318 b located within the footboard 130. In embodiments,the foot pads 324 a, 324 b may be adhesively coupled to the front shell302 of the footboard 130 and may include guide indicia to assist a userwith proper foot placement on the front shell 302 of the footboard 130.For example, in the embodiment of the footboard 130 depicted in FIGS. 6Aand 6B, the guide indicia are outlines of feet which provide a user withan indication of proper foot placement. To enhance traction against thefront shell 302 of the footboard 130, the foot pads 324 a, 324 b may beformed from a non-slip material such as, for example, non-slip grip tapeor the like.

To further assist a user with proper placement of his or her feet withrespect to the foot plates 306 a, 306 b and force sensors 318 a, 318 blocated within the footboard 130, the footboard 130 may further includeheel cups 322 a, 322 b. The heel cups 322 a, 322 b are positioned overthe corresponding recesses 330 a, 330 b in the front shell 302. The heelcups 322 a, 322 b align the feet of the user with the corresponding footplates 306 a, 306 b and force sensors 318 a, 318 b located within thefootboard 130 and also support the feet of the user when properalignment is obtained.

In the embodiments described herein, the patient support apparatus mayfurther include a graphical user interface (GUI) 320. In someembodiments, the GUI 320 may be located on the footboard 130, asdepicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B. However, it should be understood that otherlocations are contemplated. For example and without limitation, inalternative embodiments the GUI 320 may be located along one or more ofthe side rails coupled to the primary support frame 104. In theembodiments described herein, the GUI 320 and force sensors 318 a, 318 bare communicatively coupled to a controller (not shown). The controllerreceives signals from the force sensors 318 a, 318 b indicative of theamount of force applied to the respective foot plates 306 a, 306 b anddisplays related information on the GUI 320. The controller may alsoinclude a memory for storing information related to the application offorce against the foot plates 306 a, 306 b as determined with the forcesensors 318 a, 318 b. In some embodiments, the GUI 320 may display aninstantaneous force applied to each foot plate 306 a, 306 b asdetermined by the force sensors 318 a, 318 b. Alternatively oradditionally, the GUI 320 may display the instantaneous combined force(left+right) applied to the foot plates 306 a, 306 b as determined bythe force sensors 318 a, 318 b. In some embodiments, the GUI 320 maydisplay an instantaneous comparison of the forces applied to the leftand right foot plates 306 a, 306 b (e.g., the difference between theforce applied to each foot plate). In other embodiments, the controllercommunicatively coupled to the GUI 320 and the force sensors 318 a, 318b, may record the force applied to the foot plates 306 a, 306 b over aspecified time duration and display this force as a function of time onthe GUI 320. In still other embodiments, the controller may record theforce applied to the foot plates 306 a, 306 b over time, the relativeposition of the carriage 106 with respect to the primary support frame104, and the angle of inclination of the primary support frame 104 withrespect to the base frame 102, and display this information of the GUI320 either instantaneously or as a function of time. In embodiments, theangle of inclination of the primary support frame 104 with respect tothe base frame 102 may be determined with an angle sensor (not shown),such as an inclinometer, positioned on the primary support frame 104 andcommunicatively coupled to the controller 414 (FIG. 7) of the footboard130 and/or the controller area network 402 of the control system 400.The amount of travel of the carriage 106 relative to the track frame 118may be determined with a position sensor (not shown), such as a stringpotentiometer or the like, mounted between the carriage 106 and thetrack frame 118. The position sensor may be communicatively coupled tothe controller 414 (FIG. 7) of the footboard 130 and/or the controllerarea network 402 of the control system 400 and outputs a signalindicative of the amount of travel of the carriage 106 with respect tothe track frame 118. In some embodiments, the controller may also beutilized to calculate the number of exercise reps performed on theperson support apparatus.

For example, in some embodiments, the controller in the foot board 130may utilize the signal received from the position sensor and an internalclock to determine the position of the carriage 106 over time, determinethe direction of travel of the carriage over a time interval, determinechanges in the direction of travel of the carriage over the timeinterval and, based on this information, determine the number ofexercise reps performed. In this example, a single exercise rep in onedirection may be indicated by a change in direction of travel of thecarriage 106 after traveling a predetermined distance on the track frame118. In some embodiments the controller may further calculate the “work”performed by a user as a function of the force applied to the footplates 306 a, 306 b, the length of travel of the carriage 106, the angleof inclination of the primary support frame 104 with respect to the baseframe 102, and the total time an exercise is performed. For example, theamount of work performed may be calculated by multiplying the forceexerted on the foot plates 306 a, 306 b by the amount of travel of thecarriage as determined with a position sensor, as described above, overa specified time interval. This information (i.e., time, number of reps,amount of work, applied force, etc.) may be displayed on the GUInumerically or graphically.

In still other embodiments, the controller communicatively coupled tothe GUI 320 and the force sensors 318 a, 318 b may store informationrelated to the force applied to the foot plates 306 a, 306 b forsubsequent analysis and evaluation. For example, in some embodiments thecontroller may instantaneously display the force applied to the footplates 306 a, 306 b while simultaneously recording this information as afunction of time for later analysis and evaluation. In this embodiment,the GUI 320 may have an analysis function which allows a user to recallhistorical data and display this data for further analysis andevaluation. The analysis function may allow a user to manipulate thestored data to determine the total amount of work performed over a timeinterval, the number of repetitions of an exercise performed over a timeinterval, and/or similar information.

In some embodiments, the GUI 320 may include a user interface, such as atouch screen or the like, which allows a user to input information intothe GUI 320. For example, in some embodiments, the controller associatedwith the GUI 320 may have a target function that allows a user to inputexercise targets and related information. During actual exercise, theGUI 320 may simultaneously display the target information in conjunctionwith instantaneously collected data to provide a user with a visualindication of whether the user is meeting his target objectives.

In embodiments, the controller communicatively coupled to the GUI 320and the force sensors 318 a, 318 b may be communicatively coupled to anetwork or a stand-alone device (such as a smart phone, tablet, orlaptop computer) either through a wired connection and/or a wirelessconnection. Suitable wired communication protocols include USB 2.0 or3.0 connections. Suitable wireless communications protocols include nearfield communication protocols such as the Bluetooth® communicationprotocol or the like and WiFi communications protocols such as, forexample, the IEEE 802.11 standards. The data collected during anexercise period may be uploaded to the network while other informationrelated to the use and operation of the person support apparatus may bedownloaded to the controller. In addition, alarm and/or error codesrelated to the use, misuse, and/or overuse of the person supportapparatus may also be uploaded to the network. Examples of informationdownloaded to the controller communicatively coupled to the GUI 320 mayinclude, without limitation, exercise protocols, specific user targets,operational thresholds for the apparatus and/or a specific user, useralarm conditions and the like.

In some embodiments, the GUI 320 may be used to display instructionalvideos to teach a user how to perform specific exercises on the personsupport apparatus. The instructional videos may be interactive,requiring a user to correctly perform discrete tasks before moving tothe next step and/or stage of the video.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a block diagram of a control system 400 for theperson support apparatus 100 is depicted showing the interconnectivityof the various electrical components of the person support apparatus100. In embodiments, the control system 400 may include a controllerarea network 402 having a memory storing a computer readable andexecutable instruction set for controlling the various functions of theperson support apparatus 100. The controller area network 402 may alsoinclude a processor for executing the computer readable and executableinstruction set, sending control signals to the various electricalcomponents of the person support apparatus, and receiving feedbacksignals from the various electrical components and/or related sensors.In the embodiments described herein, the various components of thecontrol system 400 may be communicatively coupled to the controller areanetwork with wired connections or, alternatively, wirelessly usingnear-field communication protocols.

Referring now to FIG. 7 and FIGS. 1A-3A, in embodiments, the controllerarea network 402 is communicatively coupled to the foot end actuator 216and the head end actuator 224 of the base frame 102 which raise, lower,and tilt the primary support frame 104 relative to the base frame 102.The controller area network 402 is also communicatively coupled to thefoot section pivot actuator 406 which pivots the extendable foot section110 relative to the primary support frame 104 and the foot sectionextension actuator 408 which extends and retracts the extendable footsection 110 relative to the primary support frame 104 from the extendedposition to at least one retracted position or vice-versa. Thecontroller area network 402 is also communicatively coupled to the seatpivot actuator 410 which pivots the thigh segment 146 relative to thegluteal segment 148. In addition, the controller area network 402 iscommunicatively coupled to the torso actuator 412 which pivots the torsoframe 140 with respect to the primary support frame 104. Each of theseactuators is driven by control signals transmitted to the respectiveactuators by the controller area network 402.

Referring now to FIG. 7 and FIG. 5, the controller area network 402 isalso communicatively coupled to the pneumatic control circuit 360.Specifically, the controller area network 402 may be communicativelycoupled to the microcontroller 370 of the pneumatic control circuit 360.Control signals transmitted from the controller area network 402 to themicrocontroller 370 may be utilized to instruct the microcontroller 370to inflate and/or deflate the air bladders of the support surfacethrough actuation of the control valve 362 and/or the pressure source358. Accordingly, it should be understood that the control signalstransmitted from the controller area network 402 to the pneumaticcontrol circuit 360 may be utilized to selectively inflate or deflatethe various air bladders contained within the support surface,including, without limitation, selectively inflating and deflating atleast one support section of the support surface.

Referring now to FIG. 7 and FIGS. 6A and 6B, the various electricalcomponents of the footboard 130 may also be communicatively coupled tothe controller area network 402. For example, the footboard 130 mayinclude a controller 414 that is communicatively coupled to the forcesensors 318 a, 318 b, display 320, battery 316, and inductive chargingunit 314 of the footboard 130. The controller 414 may include a memorystoring computer readable and executable instructions and a processorfor executing those instructions. When the instructions are executed bythe processor, the controller 414 may be utilized to receive and processsignals from the force sensors 318 a, 318 b and information related tothe duration of exercise, number of repetitions, load/force, etc., anddisplay the processed information on the display 320. The controller 414may also transmit this information to the controller area network 402for storage and/or further processing, including uploading the receivedinformation to a local area network.

Still referring to FIG. 7, the controller area network 402 may becommunicatively coupled to one or more user interfaces 241 (one depictedin FIG. 7). The user interfaces 241 may be affixed to the person supportapparatus, such as on the side rail 240 as depicted in FIG. 1A.Alternatively or additionally, the user interface 240 may be astand-alone device (e.g., a wireless remote control). The user interface240 may include one or more user input devices for controlling thevarious functions of the person support apparatus 100. For example, insome embodiments, the user interface 240 may comprise a touch screen, aplurality of soft keys, a plurality of mechanical switches, and/orsimilar input devices. The user interface 240 may include a processorand a memory storing computer readable and executable instructionswhich, when executed by the processor, receive input signals from theuser input devices and transmit the input signals to the controller areanetwork to control the various functions of the person supportapparatus.

For example, in the embodiment of the user interface 241 depicted inFIG. 7, the user interface includes a foot section soft key 420 forcontrolling the foot section pivot actuator 406 and the foot sectionextension actuator 408, a seat section soft key 422 for controlling theseat pivot actuator 410, a frame up/down soft key 424 for controllingthe foot end actuator 216 and the head end actuator 224, and a torsosection soft key 426 for controlling the torso actuator 412. Once a softkey corresponding to a specific actuator or actuators is toggled, theuser may utilize the directional soft keys 428 to actuate thecorresponding actuator or actuators. For example, when the foot sectionsoft key 420 is toggled, the directional soft keys 428 may be utilizedto actuate the foot section pivot actuator 406 to pivot the extendablefoot section 110 with respect to the primary support frame 104 and/oractuate the foot section extend actuator 408 to extend or retract theextendable foot section 110 with respect to the primary support frame.The “home” key of the directional soft keys 428 may be utilized to drivethe corresponding actuators to a pre-set position.

In one embodiment, the user interface 241 may include a plurality ofpre-programmed soft keys which may be utilized to orient the personsupport apparatus 100 in a specific configuration. For example, in theembodiment of the user interface 241 depicted in FIG. 7, the userinterface 241 includes an exercise soft key 430, a chair soft key 432,and a bed soft key 434. Toggling the chair soft key 432 willautomatically orient the person support apparatus in the chairconfiguration; toggling the exercise soft key 430 will automaticallyorient the person support apparatus in the exercise configuration; andtoggling the bed soft key 434 will automatically orient the personsupport apparatus in the bed configuration.

For example, in one embodiment, when the exercise soft key 430 isactuated, the controller area network 402 signals the microcontroller370 of the pneumatic control circuit 360 to vent the lower supportsection of the support surface with control valve 362. The controllerarea network 402 also actuates the foot section extension actuator 408to retract the extendable foot section towards the primary support framethereby positioning the extendable foot section in at least oneretracted position. Additionally, the controller area network 402 alsoactuates the seat pivot actuator 410 to pivot the thigh segment towardsthe gluteal segment and actuates the torso actuator 412 to pivot thetorso support frame with respect to the primary support frame.

Still referring to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the control system 400further comprises a WiFi interface 450 communicatively coupled to thecontroller network 402. The WiFi interface 450 enables the controllerarea network 402 to transmit data from the control system 400 to anexternal network, such as network server 500. The WiFi interface 450also enables the controller area network 402 to receive data fromexternal networks, such as network server 500.

Referring now to FIG. 8A, the patient support apparatus 100 is depictedin an exercise configuration with the support surface 108 omitted tobetter illustrate the relative orientation of portions of the patientsupport apparatus 100. When the patient support apparatus 100 is in theexercise configuration, the torso portion 114 of the carriage 106 istilted with respect to the primary support frame 104 at an angle greaterthan 0 degrees. In the embodiment of the patient support apparatus 100depicted in FIG. 8A, the torso portion 114 of the carriage 106 is tiltedat an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the primarysupport frame 104. However, it should be understood that other anglesbetween the torso portion 114 and the primary support frame 104 arepossible, including angles greater than 0 degrees and up to 90 degrees.Tilting the carriage 106 with respect to the primary support frame 104allows a user seated on the patient support apparatus 100 to be properlypositioned to perform exercises with the person support apparatus.

Still referring to FIG. 8A, when the patient support apparatus 100 is inan exercise configuration, the thigh segment 146 of the seat portion 112may be pivoted towards the gluteal segment (FIG. 3A) such that the seatportion 112 has a cradle configuration, as described herein. For exampleand without limitation, in one embodiment the thigh segment 146 may bepivoted at an angle of approximately 6 degrees with respect to theprimary support frame 104. However, it should be understood that otherangles are contemplated and that the specific angle of pivot may varydepending on the individual. Orienting the seat portion 112 in thecradle configuration raises the upper legs and knees of a user seated onthe patient support apparatus 100, thereby positioning the user toperform a leg-press type exercise with the person support apparatus 100.

When the person support apparatus 100 is in the exercise configuration,the extendable foot section 110 is translated from an extended positionA, where the extendable foot section is extended away from the primarysupport frame 104, to a retracted position B. Translating the extendablefoot section 110 from the extended position A to the retracted positionB positions the footboard 130 closer to the carriage 106, therebyenabling a user seated on the carriage 106 to engage his or her feetwith the footboard 130 to perform a leg-press type exercise with theperson support apparatus 100. It should be understood that an amount bywhich the extendable foot section is retracted may vary depending on theheight of the individual and/or individual preferences.

In some embodiments, when the person support apparatus 100 is in theexercise configuration, the extendable foot section 110 may besubstantially parallel with the primary support frame 104. However, insome other embodiments, the extendable foot section 110 may optionallybe pivoted downward with respect to the primary support frame 104 whenthe person support apparatus 100 is in the exercise position. Forexample and without limitation, the extendable foot section 110 may bedownwardly rotated through an angle of up to about 10 degrees (i.e.,greater than or equal to about 0 degrees to less than or real to about10 degrees) from an initial position where the extendable foot section110 is parallel with the primary support frame 104. However, it shouldbe understood that other angles between the extendable foot section 110and the primary support frame 104 are possible, including angles greaterthan or equal to 0 degrees and up to 90 degrees.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the person support apparatus 100 isdepicted with the support surface 108 positioned on the deck (i.e., thetorso deck 143, the seat deck 145 (FIG. 1B), and the foot deck 127)supported on the primary support frame 104. In embodiments, the cover351 of the support surface 108 may be secured to the deck at the headend H and/or foot end F with tethers, mechanical fasteners, hook andloop fasteners or the like. As described herein, the support surface 108comprises at least one support section which is collapsible in a lengthdirection of the support surface 108. In the embodiment of the supportsurface 108 depicted in FIG. 8B, the collapsible support section is alower support section 352 positioned proximate a foot end F of thesupport surface 108. In this embodiment, the lower support section 352comprises a plurality of air bladders 356, as described herein. As theperson support apparatus 100 is being oriented in the exerciseconfiguration, as depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the air bladders 356 inthe lower support section 352 are vented to atmosphere. In embodiments,the air bladders in the remainder of the support surface 108 are notvented and remain pressurized when the person support apparatus 100 isin the exercise configuration. As the extendable foot section 110 istranslated to the retracted position B, the footboard 130 pressesagainst the support surface 108, collapsing the air bladders 356 in alength direction of the support surface 108 as air within the airbladders 356 is vented to atmosphere. This effectively decreases theoverall length of the support surface 108 without removing any portionsof the support surface 108 from the deck. Collapsing a support sectionof the support surface 108 also enables positioning the footboard 130 inclose proximity to the carriage 106 such that a user seated on thecarriage may engage his or her feet with the footboard 130.

Referring now to FIGS. 8B and 8C, once the person support apparatus 100is positioned in the exercise configuration, a person seated on thecarriage 106 of the person support apparatus 100 may engage his or herfeet with the footboard 130. Pressing against the footboard 130 causesthe carriage 106 to translate towards the head end H of the personsupport apparatus 100 with respect to the primary support frame 104. Inthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the carriage rail 132 a isslidably engaged with the upper support rail 120 a such that thecarriage translates with respect to the upper support rail 120 a when auser presses against the footboard 130. The translation of the carriage106 with respect to the primary support frame 104 allows the user toperform a leg-press type exercise.

As the carriage 160 translates towards the head end H of the personsupport apparatus 100, the air bladders 356, which are vented toatmosphere, may expand which draws air into the air bladder 356. As thecarriage 160 translates back towards the foot end F of the personsupport apparatus 100, the air bladders 356 are once again compressedagainst the footboard 130. The air drawn into the air bladders 356during translation of the carriage 106 towards the head end H of theperson support apparatus 100 is expelled from the air bladders 356through the control valve 362 (FIG. 5). The control valve 362 regulatesthe rate at which air may be expelled from the air bladders 356. Assuch, the control valve 326 governs the rate at which the air bladders356 are collapsed and the corresponding rate of travel of the carriage106 towards the foot end F of the person support apparatus 100.

In some embodiments, when the person support apparatus 100 is in anexercise configuration, the head end H of the primary support frame 104may be raised above the foot end F of the primary support frame 104 toprovide increased resistance to the user performing the leg-press typeexercise. Specifically, as the angle between the primary support frame104 and the base frame 102 is increased, the amount of resistanceexperienced by the user during performance of the leg-press typeexercise increases.

As described hereinabove, in some embodiments, the footboard 130 may beequipped with various sensors, such as force sensors or the like, todetermine the force exerted by a user against the footboard 130 as theleg-press type exercise is performed, the number of repetitions, theduration of each repetition, the total duration of exercise, and thelike.

Once a user has completed an exercise session, the carriage 106 may betranslated towards the foot end F of the person support apparatus 100and locked in place with the locking mechanism 260 (FIG. 3D) such thatthe carriage 106 is unable to translate with respect to primary supportframe 104. Thereafter, the extendable foot section 110 may be translatedtowards the extended position A (FIG. 8A) thereby decompressing the airbladders 356. Once the air bladders 356 are decompressed, the controlvalve 362 (FIG. 5) may be switched to the inflate position and the airbladders 356 inflated to the desired pressure.

Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of the person supportapparatus 600 is depicted. Similar to embodiments described hereinabove,the person support apparatus 600 may include a base frame 102, a primarysupport frame 104 that is supported on the base frame 102, and a footsection 110 that is coupled to the primary support frame 104. The personsupport apparatus 600 also includes a carriage 106 that is freelytranslatable along the primary support frame 104 between a head end ofthe primary support frame 104 and the foot end of the primary supportframe 104. The carriage 106 includes a torso portion 114 and a seatportion 112 that has a thigh segment 146 and a gluteal segment 148. Theperson support apparatus 600 also includes a selectable trunnion 610that selectively and severally couples the foot section 110 to theprimary support frame 104 or the thigh segment 146 of the seat portion112. As such, the selectable trunnion 610 couples the foot section 110to either the primary support frame 104 or the thigh segment 146 of theseat portion 112 at any time.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, one embodiment of the selectabletrunnion 610 is shown in greater detail. The selectable trunnion 610includes two stub shaft 612 that are positioned at opposite ends of alinear-acting actuator 620. The linear-acting actuator 620 translatesthe stub shafts 612 in the width-wise direction of the person supportapparatus 600. The stub shafts 612 of the depicted embodiment eachinclude a bearing portion 614 and a support portion 616. The stub shafts612 are supported by cradles 630 that are coupled to the primary supportframe 104 of the person support apparatus 600. The support portions 616of the stub shafts 612 are generally supported by the cradles 630. Thesupport portions 616 of the stub shafts 612 are also coupled to the footsection 110 of the person support apparatus 600. The foot section 110 ispivotable about the stub shafts 612.

When the linear-acting actuator 620 translates the selectable trunnion610, the support portions 616 of the stub shafts 612 translate along thecradles 630 that are coupled to the primary support frame 104. When theselectable trunnion 610 is commanded to translate to a first position,as depicted in FIG. 12, the linear-acting actuator 620 translates theselectable trunnion 610 such that the stub shafts 612 translate in thewidth-wise direction of the person support apparatus 600. When theselectable trunnion 610 is positioned in the first position, the bearingportions 614 of the stub shafts 612 are decoupled from the thigh segment146 of the seat portion 112. However, because the foot section 110 ofthe person support apparatus 600 is coupled to the stub shafts 612, whenthe selectable trunnion 610 is positioned in the first position, thefoot section 110 of the person support apparatus 600 continues to bepivotable with respect to the primary support frame 104 by pivotingabout the stub shafts 612.

When the selectable trunnion 610 is commanded to move to a secondposition, as depicted in FIG. 13, the linear-acting actuator 620translates the selectable trunnion 610 such that the stub shafts 612translate in the width-wise direction of the person support apparatus600 such that the bearing portions 614 of the stub shafts 612 arecoupled to the thigh segment 146 of the seat portion 112. In thedepicted embodiment, when the selectable trunnion 610 is positioned inthe second position, the bearing portions 614 of the stub shafts 612extend into corresponding race portions 646 of the thigh segment 146.The bearing portions 614 thereby couple the stub shafts 612 with thethigh segment 146. Because the stub shafts 612 are also coupled to thefoot section 110, translation of the thigh segment 146 of the seatportion 112 will cause similar translation of the foot section 110.Additionally, because the foot section 110 is pivotable about the stubshafts 612, when the selectable trunnion 610 is positioned in the secondposition, the foot section 110 is pivotable about the thigh segment 146of the seat portion 112.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 10-13, the support portions 616 of thestub shafts 612 include a plurality of keyways 618 that extend indirections that are generally parallel to one another. When theselectable trunnion 610 is positioned in the second position, thekeyways 618 of the stub shafts 612 are generally aligned with thecradles 630 such that the stub shafts 612 have clearance to pass awayfrom the cradles 630. As such, when selectable trunnion 610 ispositioned in the second position, the keyways 618 are aligned with thecradles 630 such that the cradles do not constrain motion of the stubshafts 612 in the direction corresponding to the direction that thekeyways extend in the stub shafts 612. When the selectable trunnion 610is positioned in the second position, the stub shafts 612 are free totranslate away from the respective cradle 630 in a direction that isgenerally parallel with the direction that the keyways extend in thestub shafts 612.

When the selectable trunnion 610 is positioned in the second position,the foot section 110 and the thigh segment 146 of the seat portion 112are coupled to one another. An actuator may apply a force to the thighsegment 146 that tends to pivot the thigh segment 146 upwards.Simultaneously, because the foot section 110 and the thigh segment 146are coupled to one another through the stub shafts 612 and because thestub shafts 612 are free to translate away from the cradles 360, thefoot section 110 will tend to translate with the thigh segment 146.Further, because the foot section 110 and the thigh segment 146 arepivotally coupled to one another through the stub shafts 612, as thefoot section 110 and the thigh segment 146 are translated upwards, thefoot section 110 will tend to pivot downwards away from the thighsegment 146. Thus, when the selectable trunnion 610 is positioned in thesecond position, the selectable trunnion 610 pivotably couples the thighsegment 146 and the foot section 110 such that the surfaces of theperson support apparatus 600 that contact the patient are continuousbetween the thigh segment 146 and the foot section 110.

When the selectable trunnion 610 is positioned in the first position,the foot section 110 and the thigh segment 146 of the seat portion 112are decoupled from one another. An actuator may apply a force to thethigh segment 146 that tends to pivot the thigh segment 146 upwards.Because the foot section 110 and the thigh segment 146 are decoupledfrom one another, the thigh segment 146 will tend to translate and/orpivot independently of any motion of the foot section 110. Additionally,because the foot section 110 is coupled to the primary support frame 104through the stub shafts 612, the foot section 110 may be pivoted withrespect to the primary support frame 104 without regard to the positionor orientation of the thigh segment 146 of the seat portion 112. Thus,when the selectable trunnion 610 is positioned in the first position,the selectable trunnion 610 pivotably couples the foot section 110 andthe primary support frame 104 such that the foot section 110 and thethigh segment 146 of the seat portion 112 may be positionedindependently of one another.

By allowing particular regions of the support surfaces of the personsupport apparatus 600 to be selectively coupled and decoupled from oneanother, the person support apparatus 600 may be easily reconfigured toaccommodate a variety of patient having a variety of exercise needs. Inparticular, because the foot section 110 may be selectively andseverally coupled to the primary support frame 104 and the thigh segment146, the person support apparatus 600 may be configured to accommodatepatients' needs regarding a variety of lower extremity exercises.

It should now be understood that the person support apparatusesdescribed herein includes a base frame, a primary support framesupported on the base frame, and a carriage supported on the primarysupport frame. The carriage may be translatable relative to the primarysupport frame between a head end H and a foot end F of the patientsupport apparatus such that a leg-press type exercise may be performedon the person support apparatus. The person support apparatus may alsoinclude a selectable trunnion that selectively and severally couples thefoot section to the primary support frame and the thigh segment of theseat portion. The selectable trunnion, therefore, may couple the footsection to one of the primary support frame or the thigh segment at anytime, so that the positioning of the foot section relative to thecomponents of the person support apparatus may be selected based on adesired configuration. As discussed hereinabove, the configuration ofthe person support apparatus may be modified to allow a patient toperform a variety of musculature exercises.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the embodiments describedherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimedsubject matter. Thus it is intended that the specification cover themodifications and variations of the various embodiments described hereinprovided such modification and variations come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A person support apparatus comprising: a baseframe; a primary support frame supported on the base frame; a footsection; a carriage freely translatable at least between a head end ofthe primary support frame and a foot end of the primary support frame,wherein the carriage comprises a seat portion comprising a thighsegment; a selectable trunnion that selectively and severally couplesthe foot section to the primary support frame and the thigh segment ofthe seat portion, wherein: when the trunnion is in a first position, thefoot section is pivotably coupled to the primary support frame; and whenthe trunnion is in a second position, the foot section is translatablewith and pivotably coupled to the thigh segment of the seat portion; anda support surface supported on the carriage such that the supportsurface translates with the carriage, the support surface comprising atleast one support section which is collapsible in a length direction ofthe support surface, wherein the at least one support section comprises:an air bladder; and a control valve fluidly coupled to the air bladderthat regulates air pressure within the air bladder, the control valvecomprising a normally closed position and a vent position, wherein theperson support apparatus comprises an exercise configuration wherein thecontrol valve is in the vent position and the air bladder is vented toatmosphere.
 2. The person support apparatus of claim 1, wherein: thecarriage further comprises a torso portion; and the torso portion isinclined with respect to the seat portion when the person supportapparatus is in the exercise configuration.
 3. The person supportapparatus of claim 1, wherein: the seat portion further comprises agluteal segment; and the thigh segment is pivoted towards the glutealsegment when the person support apparatus is in the exerciseconfiguration.
 4. The person support apparatus of claim 1, wherein thefoot section has an extended position and at least one retractedposition and the foot section is in the at least one retracted positionwhen the person support apparatus is in the exercise configuration. 5.The person support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the primary supportframe is tiltable with respect to the base frame.
 6. The person supportapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a deck at least partiallysupported on the carriage, wherein the support surface is positioned onthe deck.
 7. The person support apparatus of claim 6, wherein the deckcomprises a seat portion and a torso portion, wherein the torso portionis pivotable with respect to the seat portion from a recumbent positionto at least one inclined position.
 8. The person support apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the seat portion further comprises a gluteal segment,wherein at least the thigh segment is pivotable with respect to thegluteal segment.
 9. The person support apparatus of claim 8, wherein thethigh segment is pivoted towards the gluteal segment when the personsupport apparatus is in the exercise configuration.
 10. The personsupport apparatus of claim 1, wherein the selectable trunnion comprisestwo stub shafts positioned at opposite ends of a linear-acting actuator.